Autumn always feels like such a busy time of year, perhaps because the amount of daylight shrinks as we get closer and closer to winter. It is good to try to find some moments to rest and reflect and get a bit of sunshine before the cold sets in.
Enjoy the sunlight, even as the world grows cold.
Just as humans have populated the earth, so have goats. Just as humans should be free to go where they like, perhaps so should goats. Challenge your boundaries, embark on a new adventure, visit a new place, change your perspective. Don’t let arbitrary borders limit your experience or define who you are as a person. The more you travel, the more you realise that there is more that brings us together than sets us apart.
A caprine friend looking for adventure.
In full disclosure, I have spent my life living in urban areas. Goats were fascinating creatures at petting zoos for me growing up. I rarely set foot on any actual farms until I was an adult. Writing Goat of the Day on Facebook and now for this blog has brought me to many wonderful goat stories – goats helping out other goats, goats getting into hilarious and bizarre situations, and the evolution of goats alongside the evolution of humans. Sadly, it has come to my attention that some goats, just like some people, are victims of neglect and abuse. Thankfully, there are sanctuaries that exist for these goats to be cared for and live happy lives, such as Goats of Anarchy in the US and Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats in the UK. On Thursday, I was lucky enough to have an opportunity to visit Buttercups and spend a lovely afternoon hanging out with goats and taking pictures with my family. So far, this blog has featured all photographs I have taken; however, I am happy to accept goat material to share in future posts. I hope you all have a lovely weekend.
A new caprine friend I met on Thursday in Kent.
When the world becomes colder as autumn settles in, it is easy to feel tired at the end of the week. Taking rest is an excellent form of self-care, especially at the end of a busy week. I hope that you have a lovely and relaxing weekend.
A couple of goats enjoying a relaxing sit-down.
You are likely aware that the term for a youth goat is kid, much like a casual term for human children. The origin of the word comes from Norse, specifically referring to young goats, its first known use was approximately 900 years ago. Over the centuries, the word kid expanded to people, particularly young, mischievous people, and is likely the origin of the word “child.” The meaning of the word kid expanded to a verb sometime around the 1800s meaning “to gently tease.” I hope that sometimes you get a chance to kid around with your pals.
A kid and a goat, photographed in Wales.
It is okay sometimes to not know where to begin or what to do. Life can get so busy sometimes it is overwhelming, but do not worry too much. Often, the first step to action is the hardest, once you take it everything else will fall into place, and perhaps result in something wonderful.
A friendly goat effortlessly stepping forward.
Goats are often described as mischievous. Many goats are accomplished escape artists and are well documented finding themselves in bizarre circumstances. It is recommended that if you ever find yourself lucky enough to live with goats, to ensure that they are properly stimulated by their surroundings to mitigate goat related shenanigans outside your purview and property. Although some goats have been known to destroy property when out and about, I admire their independent, rebellious and playful nature.
A goat at Spitalfields Farm in London, U.K., perhaps contemplating the next bout of mischief.
One of the things I admire about some of the goats I have met in my travels is their ability to push boundaries, but within reason. Sometimes you don’t necessarily want to leave your box (physical box, emotional box, metaphorical box), but it’s good to let the universe know that you could if you wanted to. It is good to have options, and it’s good to push boundaries.
A goat I met in Georgia, US, sensibly exploring outside of his comfort zone.
A recent study by Queen Mary University of London determined that goats enjoy human companionship as much as dogs, and that goats prefer to interact with happy human faces. Not only do goats prefer to interact with happy humans, but they can also detect other human emotions such as anger or sadness. Now, I’m not saying to be happy all the time, I’m just saying that goats make me smile, and apparently if I smile at them, they might smile back.
I was very happy to come upon this group of goats one day.
Autumn is always such a fun time. Cinnamon, apples, pumpkins, crunchy leaves, sunny afternoons, brisk evenings, sweater weather, hot chocolates and apple cider are just a few things I love to enjoy during this time of year. I hope you all get a chance to have some autumn fun this weekend or before the winter hits.
Enjoy the beautiful fall weather y’all!
Goat of the Day 